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Routine care planner

Build an HVAC maintenance plan

See homeowner checks and professional service tasks for your equipment, calculate the next filter-inspection date, and download a calendar reminder.

The calendar file is created on your device. No calendar connection or account.

Your equipment

Set up the plan

Use the equipment manual and contractor instructions when they call for a different schedule.

Primary HVAC setup Does the system have an air filter you inspect? Many boilers do not use a central return-air filter. Last filter inspection or change Inspection interval ENERGY STAR recommends checking monthly, especially during heavy-use months.

Your checklist

Routine checks and seasonal service

Tasks shown below adjust to the equipment selection above. “Professional” items involve electrical, refrigerant, combustion, or performance testing.

Monthly during heavy use

Homeowner visual checks

Inspect the air filter when the system has one; clean or replace if dirty.
Keep supply registers and return grilles open and unobstructed.
Check for unusual noise, odor, cycling, or visible water and call a professional if something changes.
Keep stored items and combustible materials away from indoor equipment.

Before cooling season

Professional cooling check

Check controls, thermostat operation, and the full start-run-stop cycle.
Inspect electrical connections, voltage, current, and moving parts.
Clean coils and verify blower airflow and refrigerant charge as applicable.
Inspect and clear the condensate drain.

Before heating season

Professional heating check

Check controls, thermostat operation, and safe startup and shutdown.
Inspect electrical components, airflow or circulation, and equipment condition.
For fuel-fired equipment, inspect combustion, venting, burner operation, and the heat exchanger.
Record findings, measurements, and recommended follow-up work.

As conditions require

Outdoor equipment area

Keep leaves, grass, snow, and other debris from blocking airflow.
Do not bend fins, open panels, or spray energized equipment.
After severe weather, look for visible damage before operating the system.

Stay within safe homeowner tasks.

Turn equipment off when the manual requires it. Refrigerant, line voltage, gas or oil, combustion, sealed components, and internal repairs belong to qualified professionals. If you smell gas, see smoke, or a carbon-monoxide alarm sounds, leave the area and contact emergency or utility services.

Checklist source

The schedule and professional check-up prompts are based on the ENERGY STAR maintenance checklist, which recommends pre-season professional check-ups and regular filter inspection. Always follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

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